MP explains why he didn’t vote for UOC-banning law

MP Valerii Zub. Photo: Zub’s Facebook

MP Valerii Zub. Photo: Zub’s Facebook

Member of Parliament from the Chernihiv region, Valerii Zub, explained in an interview with Suspilne why he did not support Bill No. 8371, commonly referred to as the law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

According to him, passing the law could exacerbate societal tensions in Ukraine.

"I believe this issue was brought up at the wrong time – right now, in the midst of war, when tensions in society are already growing, and when we are facing many challenges and problems that are creating an unstable situation," said the MP, emphasizing that the law "has sparked numerous controversial incidents."

In response to the journalist’s claim that “Russia has direct influence over the UOC-MP” and that this has allegedly “already been proven by law enforcement,” Zub said he is unaware of such evidence.

"Maybe this is happening somewhere, but definitely not in Chernihiv," he said.

The MP noted that Ukraine should have its own faith, but he believes building it through bans is the wrong approach. “I don’t want this to happen through political means,” Valerii Zub stressed.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to MP Mykyta Poturaev, Ukrainian authorities had spent a long time explaining to the U.S. why the UOC should be banned.

UOC marks Synaxis of Poltava Saints

Metropolitan Philip celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Horbanivka Monastery in Poltava on the feast of the Synaxis of the Saints of Poltava.

Rector of UOC church in Kramatorsk sent for second military medical exam

Lawyers have secured a second military medical examination for Archpriest Oleg Kruchinin, who was unlawfully detained by TRC officers.

Jews, Muslims, Catholics, and OCU pray together at St. Sophia Cathedral

Representatives of Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, and OCU communities held an ecumenical prayer service for Ukraine in Kyiv.

Horbanivka Theootokos Icon honored at Poltava Eparchy monastery

Metropolitan Philip of Poltava and Myrhorod led a festal service at the Horbanivka Convent.

Greek hierarch: Clergy should use social media to bring people to Church

The Church of Greece hierarch stressed that while the internet and YouTube can be useful, they cannot replace in-person participation in church life.

Odesa prosecutors appeal UOC church ruling to Supreme Court

The Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office has appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking to transfer a UOC church to state ownership.